THIRD STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Appears to Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles

We adore You, O Christ

and we praise You!

Because by the Wood of the Cross and

the Light of the Resurrection, 

You have redeemed the world!

Reading:  "She turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?'  She thought He was the gardener and said to Him, 'Sir, if you carried Him away, tell me where you laid Him, and I will take Him.'  Jesus said to her, 'Mary!"  She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, 'Rabbouni,' which means Teacher.  Jesus said to her, 'Stop holding on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.  But go to My brothers and tell them, 'I am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.'  Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord,' and what He told her"  (John 20: 14b-18).

Reflection:  In the fourth gospel, Mary Magdalen is given the mission to carry the good news of the resurrection to the apostles and the disciples. Mary had been in the company of Jesus and His followers, and is given the privilege to announce the hope of new life.  She is known over the centuries as "the apostle to the Apostles."  Jesus called her by name, gave her the eyes of faith, and called her to give a unique personal witness to her friends in the faith community.

Silence

Prayer:  God our Father, You will that all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of Your truth.  Send workers into Your great harvest that the Gospel may be preached to every creature. May Your people, gathered together by the word of life and strengthened by the power of the sacraments, advance in the way of salvation.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

All:  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Not Magdalen, not Salome,
Nor James' own mother then delay
Embalming Jesus' corpse that day.  Alleluia.

NEXT:  FOURTH STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Appears on the Road to Emmaus